Belfast Music Society
World-class chamber music since 1921
The Belfast Music Society was founded in 1921 to promote the performance and enjoyment of classical chamber music. Initially a branch of the British Music Society, from 1921 to 1983 the society continued to organise concerts, bringing some of the most eminent musicians in Europe to entertain Belfast audiences. The name changed to Belfast Music Society in 1983. Its programme of concerts has been one of the mainstays of Belfast’s musical and cultural life, providing access to an extensive repertoire of quality chamber music.
Since 2005 BMS has hosted an annual International Festival of Chamber Music, giving Belfast audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience world-class artists in the enchanting setting of Queen’s University’s Great Hall, with its intimate atmosphere where every note and breath resonates. The Festival also presents concerts in the Harty Room, in QUB’s Music Building.
Belfast Music Society is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and has successfully forged links with key partners including the BBC and Queen’s University. Partnership is an important part of the BMS ethos, one of the reasons for the Society’s longevity in changing times.
BMS has always been an active champion of local young musicians, offering recital opportunities to soloists and ensembles from NI at the very beginning of their professional careers. To mark its 90th anniversary year in 2010/11, the Society established the ‘Northern Lights’ scheme to continue its support of local artists, both young and established.
BMS’s annual programme now comprises the International Festival of Chamber Music, a Winter Recital, a Summer Celebrity Recital, and an annual education project, as well as a number of outreach activities and masterclasses in connection with specific concerts.
